Page 72 of Fall of Dawn

Gage’s face is redder now, his hand twitching toward the gun at his hip.

Valen shrugs. “Perhaps one day you’ll find your own mate. Surely out there right now, a litter is being born, or perhaps a brood mare. Something more fit for a cretin like yourself.” He kisses my hair. “But you see, Georgia was never an option for you. She is a queen, both among humans and vampires. As I told you before, she is your god, though I see now you aren’t even fit to worship her.”

“Laying it on thick.” I shake my head.

“Just telling him the truth, my Blood.”

Gage takes another step back. “The Saints were right. This vaccine is some sort of trick, some way to get us all under your control.”

“No, Gage, it’s just a vaccine. That’s all. We made it to save lives, and that’s all it does. With?—”

“I don’t believe you.” His hand is on his gun now, his fury turned toward Valen. “You’ve twisted her into something wrong, something evil.”

Valen steps in front of me, his snarl visceral as he splays his claws. “You dare threaten my mate?”

“Gage, just go.” I grab Valen’s arm. “Go!” I yell.

He takes off, the acrid scent of fear left in his wake.

“You should’ve let me end him, my Blood.” Valen turns back to me, his eyes feral. “He’s a threat.”

“He’s misguided and scared.”

Valen cups my cheek, his eyes returning to normal. “He won’t rest. You know that, don’t you? Not until he has you. Iwillkill him eventually.”

“He just called me a demon,” I deadpan. “I don’t think he’s interested anymore.”

“This isn’t over, not for him. I know his covetous heart.” He leans down and kisses me softly, so softly. “And one day I will rip it out.”

“Maybe let him get the vaccine first?”

“I would never steal your laurels, my love. Vaccinate the whole world if you wish. I already have what I want.” He kisses me again, holding me close as the sun shines, Wyatt continues to say all the wrong things, and my hope, though battered and bruised, basks in the new dawn.